New Mexico Man Charged with Arson at California Preschool and Strip Mall

Jonathan Barajas Nava faces federal charges for allegedly attempting to set fires at a preschool and a nearby strip mall, endangering children and staff.

• Nava allegedly used an ignitable liquid to start a fire at the entrance of Yucaipa Christian Preschool with 48 children and 14 staff members inside.
• A neighbor intervened by stomping out the flames before firefighters arrived, preventing any injuries.
• On the same day, Nava allegedly set fire to gas meters at a strip mall a mile from the preschool.
• Authorities apprehended Nava after his pickup truck caught on fire during an attempted escape.
• Nava, on probation for a prior arson conviction, could face 5 to 40 years in federal prison if convicted.

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